Choosing a wall-mounted or through-the-wall air conditioner with heating can combine seasonal comfort and space-saving installation. Below is a concise comparison of five well-matched units chosen for wall installation, heating capability, and cooling capacity.
| Product | Type | Cooling (BTU) | Heating | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keystone 14,000 BTU Wall Mounted | Wall-Mounted/Through-Wall | 14,000 | 10,600 BTU Supplemental | Up To 700 Sq.Ft. |
| Keystone 23,200 BTU Window-Wall | Through-The-Wall | 23,200 | 16,000 BTU Supplemental | Up To 1,500 Sq.Ft. |
| COSTWAY 12,000 BTU Mini Split | Wall-Mounted Ductless Split | 12,000 | Heat Pump (All-Year) | Up To 750 Sq.Ft. |
| Frigidaire Through-the-Wall 12,000 | Through-The-Wall | 12,000 | Heat Function Not Primary | Up To 550 Sq.Ft. |
| Cooper & Hunter 15,000 BTU PTAC | PTAC / Packaged Terminal | ~15,000 | 3.5kW Built-In Electric Heater | Typical Residential/Hotel Use |
Keystone 14,000 BTU Wall AC Heater
Cooling Capacity: 14,000 BTU. Supplemental Heating: 10,600 BTU intended for mild cold-weather support, not as a primary heat source.
This unit is specified for wall-mounted or through-the-wall installation and includes dehumidification and fan modes. The manufacturer recommends supplemental heating operation within a specific outdoor temperature range and notes that the unit requires a 230-volt/20-amp electrical outlet. The design emphasizes conserving window view and floor space via interior trim kit installation.
Keystone 23,200 BTU Wall/Window AC Heater
Cooling Capacity: 23,200 BTU. Supplemental Heating: 16,000 BTU. The product targets larger spaces and is rated for up to 1,500 square feet.
Features include cooling, supplemental heating, dehumidifying, and fan circulation. A smart remote collects room temperature data and updates the unit periodically for consistent control. Supplemental heat is specified as a support mode rather than a full heating solution. This unit uses 230V power and is specified for through-the-wall installation.
COSTWAY 12,000 BTU Mini Split AC Heater
System Type: Ductless mini-split wall-mounted unit with inverter technology. Cooling: 12,000 BTU. Heating: Heat pump capable of year-round heating.
Manufacturer notes include energy-efficient inverter operation, AHRI certification, and multiple modes: auto, cool, dry, heat and fan. Control options include a handheld remote, timer, ECO and sleep functions. The inverter design modulates compressor speed to reduce cycling and improve efficiency.
Frigidaire Through-The-Wall 12,000 BTU AC
Cooling Capacity: 12,000 BTU for rooms up to approximately 550 square feet. This unit is specifically designed for through-the-wall installation and includes a slide-out chassis for maintenance.
Key features listed are a washable filter, remote control, timer and sleep mode. The slide-out chassis simplifies access for cleaning or service. The listing notes wall-mounted installation only and does not indicate primary heating performance comparable to heat-pump models.
Cooper & Hunter 15,000 BTU PTAC
System Type: Packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC) with built-in heat pump and electric heater support. Cooling capacity is reported near 15,000 BTU with integrated heating options including a 3.5 kW electric heater.
The unit ships charged with R-32 refrigerant and is designed for 230/208V power. It includes a wireless smart kit and remote control. For new installations, the manufacturer specifies a compatible wall sleeve and exterior grille are required but not included in the listing.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Wall AC And Heater Units
Installation Type: Choose among through-the-wall chassis, PTAC, ductless mini-split wall-mounted indoor units, and units designed to fill a sleeve. Through-the-wall and PTAC units mount directly in an exterior wall or sleeve, while mini-splits require an outdoor condenser and refrigerant piping. Installation complexity and wall modification requirements vary by type.
Heating Capability: Distinguish supplemental heat from primary heating. Many wall/through-the-wall ACs provide supplemental electric or heat-pump heating suitable when outdoor temperatures are moderate. For consistent winter performance, look for a dedicated heat pump or integrated electric heater sized for the space.
BTU Sizing And Coverage: Select BTU ratings based on room square footage, ceiling height, insulation and sun exposure. As a general guide, a 12,000 BTU unit covers medium rooms, while 18,000–23,000 BTU units fit larger spaces. Oversizing can cause short cycling; undersizing will leave the room under-conditioned.
Electrical Requirements: Verify circuit and voltage needs before purchase. Several wall and PTAC units require 230V circuits or dedicated 20-amp breakers. Confirm receptacle compatibility and whether a new dedicated circuit or a hardwired connection is needed to meet local electrical code.
Energy Efficiency: Compare SEER, EER, HSPF or Energy Star certification where available. Inverter mini-split units often deliver higher seasonal efficiency by varying compressor speed. Efficiency metrics impact operating cost and seasonal performance, especially for units used for both heating and cooling.
Refrigerant Type: Note refrigerant used: newer systems may use R-32 or other low-GWP refrigerants. Refrigerant type affects environmental impact and may influence service options in your area. PTAC and through-the-wall units may come pre-charged to specific system requirements.
Controls And Smart Features: Remote control is common; some units include smart remotes, Wi-Fi, or room-sensing remotes that sample temperature at the remote. These features affect perceived comfort and control accuracy. Timers, sleep modes and ECO settings help reduce energy use.
Noise And Placement: Consider sound levels—indoor and outdoor. Wall and through-the-wall units place much of the compressor and condenser outside the living area; mini-split systems place a quiet indoor evaporator on the wall. Verify manufacturer noise specifications if sleeping areas are involved.
Maintenance And Filters: Look for washable or easily accessible filters and slide-out chassis for through-the-wall units. Routine maintenance includes cleaning filters, checking condensate paths, and scheduling professional service for refrigerant or compressor issues.
Heating Performance In Cold Climates: For colder regions, prioritize heat pumps rated for low ambient operation or models with robust electric backup heaters. Supplemental electric heat in many wall units is effective near moderate lows but may not be economical or sufficient in extreme cold.
Installation Costs And Structural Needs: Factor in wall sleeve, exterior grille, and labor. Some wall and PTAC models require a sleeve and exterior grille that may be sold separately. Mini-split systems need outdoor unit placement and line-set installation, which can increase upfront cost.
Space And Aesthetics: Through-the-wall and PTAC units are built to occupy a wall opening and can be compact, while mini-splits offer low-profile indoor units that retain full windows and floor space. Consider interior sightlines and whether preserving window views matters.
Suitability For Room Types: For long corridors, whole-floor spaces, or larger open-plan rooms, higher-BTU through-the-wall units or multiple mini-split heads may be appropriate. PTACs are common in hotel and multi-room installations due to standardized sleeves and serviceability.
Warranty And Serviceability: Review warranty terms and availability of local service technicians. Replaceable components, service panels, and accessibility factor into long-term ownership experience. PTAC and through-the-wall models often have standardized parts and service channels for commercial settings.
Comparison Perspectives: If energy efficiency and quiet operation are priorities, consider inverter mini-splits. If retrofit simplicity and minimal outdoor work are key, through-the-wall or PTAC units that fit existing sleeves can be more convenient. For large single rooms where peak cooling capacity is required, higher-BTU through-the-wall models deliver greater immediate cooling performance.
When comparing units, weigh installation complexity, operating efficiency, heating capability, and electrical compatibility against your space needs and local climate. These perspectives will guide whether a supplemental heater function suffices or whether a full heat-pump solution is preferable.